From the Research
Menstrual blood can be tested for various medical purposes, including hormone level analysis, genetic testing, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and evaluation for endometrial cancer markers, with the most recent study 1 highlighting the importance of hormonal and anthropometric parameters in diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The tests that can be done on menstrual blood include:
- Hormone level analysis to assess reproductive health and detect conditions like PCOS or endometriosis
- Genetic testing for chromosomal abnormalities
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections
- Evaluation for endometrial cancer markers
- Analysis for heavy metal toxicity, microbiome composition, and in forensic investigations These tests are valuable because menstrual blood contains not only blood but also endometrial tissue and cervical secretions, providing unique insights into reproductive health, as noted in the study 2 which discussed the increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with PCOS. However, sample collection can be challenging due to contamination risks, and interpretation should be done by healthcare professionals, as emphasized in the study 3 which discussed the management of menorrhagia. While promising, menstrual blood testing is still evolving as a diagnostic tool and should complement rather than replace traditional medical assessments, as highlighted in the study 4 which discussed the hormone tests for the diagnosis of PCOS. The study 5 also noted the relationship between insulin sensitivity, sex hormone levels, and ovarian stromal blood flow in PCOS patients, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple factors when interpreting menstrual blood test results.